Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 225

First, I contact Deacon Michelino to thank him for the information and to report the harassment from the workshop. His response is, “It’s going to be difficult.”

After all, we are in a weak position. I doubt they will take our claims seriously, given the choice between us—nobodies with no track record—and a long-established workshop that has honed its skills for generations under a traditional noble family.

The difference in shoe sizes is only 1 cm at most, hardly something an amateur would notice right away. At best, they will dismiss it as a measurement mistake, and even if Father Nicolo tries to intervene, it will likely be chalked up to a miscommunication or a mistake by someone they don’t even know, allowing the matter to be swept under the rug.

Instead of wasting energy on that, it would be more constructive to focus all our efforts on shoe manufacturing. Given the organization’s personnel shortage, we lack the manpower to launch an offensive while also defending ourselves.

Moreover, the workshop in question is in another city, so even the Sword Fangs Legion can’t reach it directly.

“I’ll inform Father Nicolo, but don’t expect much effect. More importantly, Kenji, please increase the number of guards. If the other side really does try to sabotage us, I think the current security system won’t be enough. I recommend speaking to the commander of the Sword Fangs Legion about it.” His advice is rather ominous.

“Is it that serious?” I struggle to grasp the concrete nature of the crisis. Perhaps it’s because this is far above the social class that an ordinary citizen like me can imagine.

Rather than facing a visible enemy, it feels more like a disaster looming overhead, like lightning striking from above the clouds.

“Yes. Despite appearances, Father Nicolo has many political enemies. Even for him, suggesting that the Cardinal wear pioneer shoes is quite unreasonable. If he succeeds, his interests and achievements will be unparalleled, but his political rivals are employing various schemes to make him fail. This harassment concerning his shoes is just a small part of that.”

To say he has many enemies is an understatement. As we speak, those above us are likely engaged in fierce political battles for their survival. And sometimes, the lightning leaks down, striking the ground and threatening to consume us as we crawl along.

“That’s a chilling thought.” All I can do is shrug in response.

However, Sara and Kiriku, who stand beside me, wear different expressions. With stern looks, they check the handles of their daggers and long swords, scanning the area.

“Regardless, we can’t be too careful until the unveiling. I’ve heard that among the rough-work specialists employed by great nobles, some are skilled in magic. Please be extremely vigilant.”

Magic users.

That phrase carries a grim connotation, quite different from the rough-and-tumble crowd that merely swings swords that we have encountered so far.